In anticipation of Ed O'Brien's debut album releasing in april, this week, I thought I'd go back in time to Phil Selway's first solo record wayyy back in 2010. Given the reputation of drummers called Phil going out on their own to make music, I was certainly sceptical. But, as you're about to find out, I was not as disapointed at all.
So this album is basically a folk album, and in saying that, alot of people have probably closed the wix website link on their phone already. But even if you aren't normally inclined to this type of music, I think this album might have something for you.
Let's take it from the top. The opening track, and apparently lead single from the album, By some miracle, starts out as the album means to go on. Phil's lyrics are delivered breathily, the words he's singing are foreboding, which is then cemented by the hypnotic bridge "Put it back, put it back put it where you found it". The accompanying music video only further perpetuates this.
The second track is very much so a continuation of the first, but the third, A Simple Life, is just on a totally different level. If you're gonna go away and listen to any song after this review, make it this one. It's a song about just wanting to disappear with someone, whilst simutaneously worrying if they even know you exist. It's both heartwarming and harrowing, the quiet synths and horn flares midway through lift the track up and give it so much character. It's just one you have to listen to.
In terms of other tracks that really stuck out to me, the closer "the witching hour" really stuck with me. Specifically the lyrics, like "hold me, hold me, I am like a child" and "And those I love, will carry me home, will carry me home." It's sweet, despite the finality of it being the final track on the record.
However, besides that, the other tracks are exactly home runs. I mean, they aren't bad, I'll sit and listen to them, but there isn't a whole lot going on outside the handful mentioned. Despite bearly peaking 30 minutes, it does drag a little, ironically the longest track (don't look down at 5:03) doesn't drag nearly as much as some of the shorter ones. It kinda feel like Phil blew all his bells and whistles on A simple life, for better or worse.
Overall, I'm pretty neutral on the album. Phil's singing and guitar playing are suprisingly good, but what he's trying to do just don't translate over well to a full length (?) album format. The songs get kinda homogeneous after a while, so you won't even get to the witching hour sometimes. It's not something I regret listening to, if not just for finding A Simple Life, but probably not something I'll be returning to in the folky- singer-songwriter category anytime soon. So make of that what you will, I guess.
Not that anyone cares but finding out not one, but TWO wilco members worked on this album was pretty awesome
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